P90X3 RESULTS - Josh's Turn!

Working out can be tough! First you have to get the motivation to work out, then you have to find the time to work out and then you have to make sure you actually DO the workout! Just watching the DVD or watching someone run on a treadmill or lift weights unfortunately doesn't count! This is where a "workout buddy" or someone holding you accountable (like a Beachbody coach named Diane Nicholas ;D) will help!

My amazing husband started the P90X3 journey with me and it definitely helped to keep me focused and determined to complete the entire 90 days. We wouldn't always work out together at the same time, but we would do the workouts each day and then talk about them in the evening. So without further adieu, here are my husband's results after 90 days of P90X3. Be sure to tell him how awesome he looks...because...well he looks pretty darn AWESOME!

Josh's arms, chest and abs are more defined! He's well on his way to a six pack! I also think his face looks a little leaner too!

His upper back looks wider and waist looks smaller!

He looks more sculpted and lean!

Flatter stomach!

So what now? Josh & I plan to keep at it and we will post results again in another 90 days! We are doing a hybrid program now which still includes P90X3 but is adding in a more cardio-intensive workout called T25. 

If you have any questions about P90X3 or any other Beachbody program please message me on Facebook or by email at ddilger27@gmail.com. You can also check out my own Beachbody webpage! I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. P90X3 is 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week for 90 days. It is not a huge time commitment and you get results! It requires a pull-up bar (or resistance bands as a substitute) and hand weights. As a female I was a little intimidated by all the push ups and pull ups, but I just modified them for awhile. Now I can do REAL pushups. I still can't do a pull-up (I use one foot on a chair to help me with the pull up), but I'm getting closer. P90X3 is comprised of 16 workouts. One day you will be doing push-ups/pull-ups, the next day you'll be doing Yoga (For all you Yoga-haters out there, it will most likely become one of your favorite programs) and then another day you will be killing your legs with Triometrics. It's the variety that makes the program so efficient! It's also the variety that will keep you from getting bored!

The P90X3 Challenge pack (It includes the P90X3 program, 1-month of Shakeology, 30 day Beachbody Club Membership) is on sale this month and my fellow coach has a challenge group starting up in early June. If any of you are interested in getting into this challenge group just let me know. A challenge group is comprised of people like yourself wanting to make a change in eating & exercise! I would love to help you in your journey to get healthy! Life is short...so STOP making excuses as to why you can't do something and just start doing it!

P90X3 RESULTS!!

So I finished P90X3 this past Saturday! Woo hoo!! I NEVER missed a workout in the entire 90 days! 

So here's the most trying part of this fitness journey...sharing before and after pictures! Nobody likes putting themselves out there for people to judge, but it's important for me to show you REAL results. No photoshopping...even though I would have loved adding in a nice six-pack in these pictures! I'll just have to wait for the real six-pack to form in the upcoming months! :) Going into P90X3 I thought I was going to be completely ripped after the 90 days. I mean...you've seen those before and after pictures on the infomercials! Those people are in awesome shape after the 90 days. I don't feel like my results are as extreme, but I know that every person gets results differently. I actually gained 3 lbs. during this workout. This freaked me out a little, but it was just my body getting rid of fat and adding muscle. That's why you shouldn't always trust the scale. 

Look at that backside muffin top vanish!!!

I lost an inch in my waist! My stomach is flatter and I have a couple of ab muscles peaking through at the top.  It's only a matter of time until I get that six-pack!

I know I don't look that happy in the photo, but I am!!! I actually have biceps now!!!! 

Flatter stomach!

So these are my visible results but they are not the only results I've gotten from P90X3. I can do 15 - 20 REAL pushups at one time, when I could only do 1 or 2 at the start of P90X3. I'm actually strong...so don't mess with me! I still can't do an unassisted pull-up, but I know it's only a matter of time until I can! My flexibility and balance have improved a lot because of the Yoga part of the program.

I've seen results in my health as well! I've struggled with high cholesterol levels for awhile now. You gotta love genetics! I just had a health screening yesterday and my cholesterol has dropped over 30 points from 238 to 206. I have to thank P90X3, Shakeology and healthier eating for that. There isn't always a need for medication, you CAN correct cholesterol with healthy eating and exercise!

So what now? I plan to keep at it and I will post results again in another 90 days! Now I am doing a hybrid program which still includes P90X3 but is adding in a more cardio-intensive workout called T25. I am also going to focus more on my eating!

If you have any questions about P90X3 or any other Beachbody program please message me on Facebook or by email at ddilger27@gmail.com. You can also check out my own Beachbody webpage! I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you have. I really enjoy doing P90X3 and other beachbody workouts, because I love getting results by working out in my own home at my own pace!

The P90X3 Challenge pack (It includes the P90X3 program, 1-month of Shakeology, 30 day Beachbody Club Membership) is on sale this month and my fellow coach has a challenge group starting up early June. If any of you are interested in getting into this challenge group just let me know. A challenge group is comprised of people like yourself wanting to make a change in eating & exercise! Let me know if you would like more details! I would love for you to join me on my journey to get healthy! :D

Fitness Motivation: Do You Know Your 'Why'?

This probably sounds like a very generic question, but it is an important question for everyone to address in life. WHY do we do the things that we do? Chances are you probably don't think about it on a daily basis, because most of the whys become a habit. Why do I eat? Because I'm hungry. Why do I sleep? Because I'm tired. Why do I work? Because I need money.  So...Why should you get in shape and eat healthier?

The answer is simple right...to be healthy...to live a long and happy life...to look awesome...etc. Surely everyone wants to be healthy, live a long and happy life and look great, so why isn't everyone in shape? "German philosopher Frederick Nietzsche once said, 'He who has a why can endure any how.' Knowing your why is an important first step in figuring out how to achieve the goals that excite you and create a life you enjoy living (versus merely surviving!). Only when you know your 'why' will you find the courage to take the risks needed to get ahead, stay motivated when things get rough, and move your life onto an entirely new, more challenging, and more rewarding path."

So WHY do you want to get in shape and eat healthier?

I believe that your why's can change so I have two answers to this question. First...my short-term answer! I want to look good in a bikini this summer! I want to be strong...I want toned arms, abs, a nice butt...all of those things. I want to be healthy. My long-term answer...I want to start an awesome foundation for a healthy life. I don't have kids, but when Josh & I decide to start a family, I want our kids to grow up with two parents who eat healthy and exercise, so they are exposed to and hopefully grow up with those healthy habits.

Everyone is inspired by different reasons to become healthy. My advice is to write down your why and put it in a highly visible area of your house. If you are constantly reminded of your 'Why' then you are more likely to endure the how. Also think about the unhealthy habits that you choose to do. Why do you choose to do them? Most likely you do them for instant gratification or convenience. Is the instant gratification more important than your 'Why'?

As I've stated in my previous posts I am a Beachbody coach. A coach is a person who can (if you choose) help you reach your fitness & health goals by being there for support and accountability. I'm having success with P90X3 and Shakeology and I want to be able to help others have success as well. Sign up for your FREE Beachbody account today! (I promise you won't be bombarded with emails!) If you have any questions please let me know. Even if you aren't interested in a Beachbody program, please figure out your why and decide that today is the day you will start eating healthy and getting in shape.

Get ready for this summer with these great Beachbody Challenge Packs! This month's specials are Focus T25 & Brazilian Butt Lift. 

I hope you decide to join me on my journey to get fit, eat smart and live lovely!

30% Exercise, 70% Diet: Abs Are Made In The Kitchen

Abs are MADE in the kitchen....Wait...What?! Shouldn't I be able to eat whatever I want and exercise really hard and still get in good shape? That may work for a few people, but unfortunately it doesn't work for me anymore and chances are it doesn't work for you either.

Nutrition is the MOST important part of becoming fit and healthy and unfortunately it is also the hardest part for people to stick to. I can exercise 30 minutes to an hour every day. It sucks, but its done in 30 minutes and I can relax afterwards. Eating healthy is a 24/7 task. It's not something that you do once and you are done...it is an ongoing lifestyle choice.

I don't claim to be a nutritionist, so I'm only speaking to you from personal experience. If you have a chance to go to a nutritionist and get a detailed diet plan then you should definitely do it. In the meantime here are tips that I have picked up along the way.

Keep Your Kitchen Well-Stocked
Figure out a meal plan for the week and make a shopping list. Think about breakfast, lunch, dinners, snacks...etc. For a day, I plan for breakfast, a mid-morning snack (usually some kind of fruit or vegetable), lunch, mid-afternoon snack (greek yogurt or something with protein...this helps with energy for my workout later in the day) and dinner. If you have your snacks & meals planned out, you are less likely to grab that candy bar from the vending machine and less tempted to stop by McDonald's on the way home!

Buy Snack-Size Ziplock Bags
As we all know snacking can get out of hand really fast. Resist the temptation to eat that whole bag of chips by portioning out your snacks in snack-size ziplock bags. You can still eat the food that you love, but just in a smaller amount. I also like to make up several baggies of fruits and vegetables at the beginning of the week. Each morning I will just grab a couple of bags and take them to work to snack on during the day. By making up several baggies ahead of time, you have made healthy food more convenient for you to grab and go. Who doesn't love convenience?!

Keep Track of What You Eat
If you don't already have the "My Fitness Pal" App on your smart phone...Get it or something similar!! It's a great and EASY way to keep track of how many calories you consume in a day. Just log in the food you've eaten and it will tell you how many calories each item is and will let you know how many calories are left in the day. This should be a huge help...but only if you log in EVERY thing that you eat. I've been known to leave off a cookie or two, so I wouldn't go over my calorie intake for the day. If you do this, you only end up cheating yourself. Log everything and work to keep it close to your recommended daily intake.

Drink Water

This is probably the easiest thing you can do to become healthier! Water helps keep skin healthy, flush toxins from your kidneys, regulate digestion and so much more. It also helps you feel fuller longer. Make an effort to drink more water each day! I drink at least 64 oz. of water each day. I use a 32 oz. Nalgene water bottle that I usually take when I go hiking. I fill it up in the mornings before work and keep it at my desk. I drink 32 oz. in the morning and then fill it up again for the afternoon. I am done with my 64 ounces by 5 pm each day. Just be sure you have a bathroom readily available...because all that water has to go somewhere! 

Eat Something New
Each week purchase a new food item that you haven't tried before. This is a good way to add variety to your meals. I hate to admit it, but I never had asparagus until a few weeks ago. I tried it and LOVED it, so now we eat it all the time. I also tried Kale for the first time. Don't be scared to try new things!

Don't Get Discouraged...
I'm not a cook...I will never claim to be a cook and I don't think I will ever really WANT to cook....I know...poor Josh! When trying new things or cooking techniques don't get discouraged if it doesn't come out perfectly. Start with recipes that have fewer ingredients...I get overwhelmed when the ingredient list takes up the entire page. Ask your friends about their favorite recipes. At least you know the recipe will taste good and you can always call them if you have issues. I get ideas from my sister-in-law all the time! ;) Also look online...there are tons of healthy recipes.

Add Shakeology to Your Daily Diet
Replace one meal a day with Shakeology to give your body one meal that is supercharged with ingredients that will give you natural energy, curb your cravings and help you stay full for at least 3 hours. Shakeology is equivalent to 5 salads in one meal, not to mention it has 70 super foods. I drink Shakeology every day for breakfast. I use one scoop of the Tropical Strawberry flavor, along with 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 banana and a handful of raspberries. It's so easy and quick to make in my Magic Bullet and it tastes just like a smoothie. If you have any questions about Shakeology please let me know or go visit this link.

As I've stated in my previous posts I am a Beachbody coach...hence my shameless plug for Shakeology there at the end. ;) A coach is a person who can (if you choose) help you reach your fitness & health goals by being there for support and accountability. It is also a great way to make extra money. Just to be clear I do not promote products if I don't believe in them. I'm having success with these programs and I want to be able to help others have success as well. Sign up for your FREE Beachbody account today! I promise I won't bombard you with emails! If you have any questions please let me know. Even if you aren't interested in a Beachbody program, please decide that today is the day you will start eating healthy and getting in shape.

I hope you decide to join me on my journey to get fit, eat healthy and live lovely!

Becoming the Best Version of YOU with Exercise!

As I've started my fitness journey, I have been on the constant lookout for inspiration to keep me going towards my goal. The images like the one above are littered all over the internet and can prove to be a great motivator. The quote is perfect and the girl not only looks amazingly in shape...she looks strong! I want to look like her...

The problem with wanting to look like somebody else, is that you are not embracing your unique self. During running and P90X3 I've been comparing myself to other people. I try not to, but the truth is most people compare themselves to others...especially females, but you know you guys do it too! For example...I have what I call a "swimmer's build, which means I have a wide upper body. If I would have started competitive swimming at a young age, maybe I would have been the female version of Michael Phelps...highly unlikely, but anything is possible! Anyway back to my point...this means it's going to take me longer to get my upper body in shape. I unfortunately store more fat in my arms and it's going to take me a little longer to get the definition that I want than if I had a more petite build. My body will never be "petite", but it CAN BE in shape! Plus a wide upper body means that my waist looks smaller. YES! You can always find a silver lining if you look for one! Check the chart below for your body type.

Just like everybody has different body types, everybody has different workout styles as well. You may be interested in running, walking, dancing, weight lifting, going to the gym daily, doing a group fitness workout, working out at home...etc. Nobody can decide what works for you, except you.

I've discovered my preferences after some trial & error. I've found out that I really enjoy running early in the mornings, especially right when the sun rises. I like it because it's cool in the summer, not many people are up so I don't feel like people are judging my form and it gives me a great start to the day...plus the sunrises are gorgeous! I've tried running in the afternoons and I just don't like it as much. It's hotter and more people are out. I've gone to group fitness classes and they have been fun, but I'm inconsistent. I like going with a friend, but if that friend wouldn't go then I wouldn't go either. I was too dependent on other people. Gyms are a great resource! Gyms have high end equipment and a huge variety of machines to choose from. They even offer personal trainers, protein shakes...etc. Personally they just didn't work for me. I don't like waiting for equipment and having people watch me...plus I would just use the gym for a treadmill.

So what is currently working for me? P90X3. Why? It's 30 minutes, 6 days a week. The workout varies each day, so it never gets old. I do it in the comfort of my own house...nobody is watching me and judging my form...except for Josh. I don't have to drive anywhere to exercise, so the excuse that the gym is "too far away" or "I don't have enough time" can't be used. There are 16 DVDs ranging from Cardio, pullups, pushups, weight training, mixed martial arts, yoga, pilates...etc. The variety is great and it seems to be working! I plan to finish the 90 days of P90X3 and then move to FOCUS T25 or the 21 Day Fix. I find that short, intense workouts work the best for me. I can work them in and I still get the intensity of an hour. Eventually I'm going to tackle Insanity...just not yet!

What type of workout works for you?

Josh & I after a P90X3 workout called the "Incinerator". It's guaranteed to pump you up! Josh looks great, but I'm pretty proud of my mini biceps!!

Because I love P90X3, I decided to become a Beachbody Coach. I'm having success with these programs and I want to be able to help others have success as well. It is a great way for me to help people and make extra money! A coach is a person who can help you reach your fitness & health goals by being there for support and accountability. Sign up for your free Beachbody account today! If you have any questions please let me know. Even if you aren't interested in a Beachbody program, please decide that today is the day you WILL start eating healthy and getting in shape! 

Please join me on my journey to get fit, eat healthy and live lovely!

Getting in Shape: The Question Isn't CAN YOU? It's WILL YOU?

Everybody has the ability to get in shape, but it is up to each individual person to choose if they want to! Change has to start with you!

Here's my story...
I'm currently 27 years old and it was two years ago that I finally decided that I was going to get in shape!! In college I was able to stay in shape, because I walked everywhere. Living on campus and walking to class everyday was a fabulous and EASY routine. After graduating I got an office job and unfortunately have been sitting on my butt ever since. I was able to keep my weight in check by walking my dog, doing a Jillian Michael's video now and then, but I was never able to devote myself to a routine. That changed two years ago when I got up early one morning before work and just started running!

That morning I ran about a mile and was really tired, but I did it!! I got up the next day and did it again! Wow...two days in a row...and I was sort of enjoying it!? Crazy! So there began my first fitness routine...Running! If you would have told me in high school that I would enjoy running one day, I would have called you insane!! I kept running at least 4 - 5 times a week. Usually between 1-3 miles. The next year, I started training for my first half-marathon. I started running 3-5 miles a day regularly and then even more miles on the weekend. I ran my first half marathon last October on a very VERY rainy day, but I did it! I made the choice to get up every morning and it had paid off!!

The rain let up a little during the race, but it was pouring for most of it.

My participation medal!!!!!! I did it!

I decided to keep running after the half-marathon, but not as much and not as often. Why? 1. I had reached my goal! 2. It turned cold!!!!! So I was back to being inconsistent. What do I do now?

My sister-in-law started having great success with the Beachbody programs and decided to become a coach. She told us about Shakeology and the different programs. My husband & I decided to start taking Shakeology. I have always struggled with nutrition, so the Shakeology was a fabulous way to get the nutrition I needed in a very quick and easy way. Now I make a smoothie in the morning for my breakfast and I get most of the nutrition I need for the rest of the day. I actually don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep at my desk each afternoon. Usually I would have a soft drink around 3 pm each day, but now I don't need one! Even with the shakeology, it was important for us to "clean" up our diet as well. Eating healthy is a daily challenge, but who doesn't love a good challenge every now and then?

We also purchased the workout routine P90X3. With running, I got a little leaner, but with P90X3 I am getting toned! I actually have biceps now!!! How cool is that? I can see why people in shape always have their shirts off or wear more revealing clothes...they want to show off what they have worked REALLY hard for. I'm currently in the 2nd week of Block 2 and I am already seeing great results. I am stronger and I've moved from girl pushups to standard pushups. Do I do everything perfectly in each workout? No. Do I give my all in every workout? Yes. P90X3 is only a 30 minute workout, so I make every minute count! Each workout is different each day of the week. It keeps workouts from getting boring and it also gives you a total body workout. I'm loving it so far!

My Husband, Josh & I after a P90X3 workout! I don't think
we were smiling during the workout!

                                    

The best thing about a P90X3 workout is crossing it
out on your workout sheet!!!

                                 

Because I love Shakeology and P90X3, I decided to become a Beachbody Coach. I'm having success with these programs and I want to be able to help others have success as well. It is a great way for me to help people and make extra money! A coach is a person who can help you reach your fitness & health goals by being there for support and accountability. If you have any questions please let me know. Even if you aren't interested in a Beachbody program, please decide that today is the day you WILL start eating healthy and getting in shape!

Please join me on my journey to get fit, eat healthy and live lovely!